But “Rising Star” averaged only 5.1 million viewers compared to “AGT,” which snared 8 million viewers from 9 to 11 p.m. (NBC moved its talent show, which normally airs Tuesdays, to Sunday to directly compete against the “Rising Star” debut.)

“Rising Star” also fell short of ABC’s last stab at the singing show genre, “Duets,” which premiered to 6.8 million viewers back in May 2012.